Diabetes Education – One Size Doesn’t Fit All
When it comes to nutrition education, one size doesn’t fit all. This is especially true for teaching people about diabetes.
As educators, we have to think about who we're teaching:
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Are they newly-diagnosed?
- There's a lot to learn.
- They may be in denial, scared, motivated, overwhelmed, or all of the above.
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Are they "veteran" patients?
- They may think they know everything, but their numbers show otherwise.
- Good habits can slip during times of stress (or a pandemic).
- There's always something new to learn.
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Do they have pre-diabetes?
- They may be motivated to do what they can to avoid or delay diabetes.
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Are they caregivers or family members of someone who has diabetes?
- They may want to learn all they can to help their loved one.
- They may resent having to make changes to accommodate the person with diabetes.
- Diabetes basics
- Goal setting
- Know your numbers (A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol)
- Weight management
- Exercise
- Healthy eating
- Importance of breakfast
- Diabetes plate
- Carb counting and label reading
- Food shopping
- Snacks
- Sugar substitutes